The documentary Retest the Retired, airing 22nd March, follows the story of three elderly drivers to see if they are a danger to themselves and other road users.

With an ever ageing population, there are over 4.5 million drivers over the age of 70 on roads in the UK.

Ben Brooks-Dutton started a petition that calls for older drivers to be retested after his wife Desreen Brooks, 33, was killed by an 85-year-old driver mounting the pavement in 2012. The petition has gained more than 260,000 signatures.

Video: We asked 91-year-old Maurice Argyle when he will stop driving.

Elderly drivers Mary Saville, 73, Maurice Jackson, 78, and Maurice Argyle, 91, feature in the documentary and explain their experiences driving and why it is so important they do not lose their licence.

“People are impatient”

maurice agyle, 91

Maurice Argyle is 91-years-old and has been driving for 75 years. He believes driving has changed a lot since he learnt back in the army – having never taking a civilian driving test!

Picture: Maurice Argyle as a young man on his motorcycle.

The biggest issue Maurice faces whilst driving is, “people are impatient… I’m driving within the speed limit and you get people tailgating trying to push you on.

“I still drive as I remember always driving, there’s no difficulty at all.”


Photos: Mary and husband Paul who she drives around due to his epilepsy.

Mary Saville, 73, is the only person who drives in her marriage as her husband is unable to due to his epilepsy.

After driving for 55 years, Mary fears without a car they would be ‘isolated’ and ‘struggle’.

Pack up, You’re Not good enough

paul Saville, Mary’s husband

For many older driver it is up to family members to tell them to stop driving. Mary’s husband Paul, 60, feels a responsibility to monitor Mary’s ability.

“She will always have me… I will say, you’re not good enough, pack up, stop”, he says.

Examples of how getting older effects your driving inlude:

  • Neck pain or stiffness can make it harder to look over your shoulder.
  • Leg pain can make it difficult to move your foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
  • Diminished arm strength can make it hard to turn the steering wheel quickly and effectively.
  • Your reaction times can slow down with age.
  • You can lose the ability to effectively divide your attention between multiple activities.

Facts from

In 2014 Maurice Jackson, 78, was knocked off of his Vespa by a driver in his mid-40’s.

This accident happened even though he takes extra precaution when riding his scooter by wearing fluorescent clothing.

He knows the dangers, not only of being an elderly driver, but the increased risk whilst of riding a scooter, in comparison to being in a car.

Video: Maurice Jackson explains when he was knocked off his scooter in 2014.

That national campaign THINK!, highlights the importance of being seen on the road and stresses the importance of car drivers to be actively looking for motorcyclists.


Gallery: The safety gear Maurice wears to stay visible on the road.

To find out more about elderly driving, watch Retest the Retired on Thursday 22nd March 2018.

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